As a sort of consolation prize, the birthplace of Windows will get a brief light show on Thursday night. A Microsoft press release today said lights the color of its Windows 8 logo will illuminate the Seattle Great Wheel ferris wheel on the waterfront from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

(A spokesman noted that Microsoft’s also going to have its BUILD conference in the Seattle area this year, bringing 2,500 developers to Redmond next week.)

Brier Dudley offers a critical look at technology and business issues affecting the Northwest. Send tips or comments to bdudley@seattletimes.com. His column runs Monday, and his commentary appears here all week.